Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda causing worrying surge in Covid-19 numbers

The island of Antigua and Barbuda recorded only 159 Covid-19 cases last year, but that number rose to more than 1,000 this year, after borders reopened. — Pixabay

On a clear day in Antigua, Uriah Gregory, 43, pulls his taxi van over in front of a guest house painted in bright pink, purple and orange hues, and steps out to help a woman with her luggage.

Pre-pandemic, Gregory estimates his taxi brought in US$1,110 (RM4,556) a month, shuttling visitors from resorts to restaurants and beaches during peak tourist season on the Caribbean island. Now, with few of those visitors in sight, he’s barely averaging US$110 (RM455).